It Took Me 12 Years to Finish ACCA – A Chief Audit Executive’s Story

Background and Journey

Introduction and Background:

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

I started my career as an external auditor at PwC in 2012 and dedicated 6 years to external audit working at PwC and other firms.

After that, I moved to risk consulting at KPMG, where I gained valuable experience in internal audit, internal control, risk management and compliance. Currently I am the Chief Audit Executive at a large company in the steel industry.

What initially motivated you to pursue the ACCA qualification?

It was mandatory for auditors at PwC to be ACCA qualified and I obtained four exemptions and passed three Applied Skills exams while working at PwC.
When I left PwC ACCA was no longer mandatory, but I noticed the value and usefulness of the knowledge and skills that ACCA could provide me with.

I realised that becoming an ACCA member it would give me a competitive advantage.
I hope that my long journey won’t demotivate others, as it took me over 12 years. There were some reasons for that. During this time I gained another valuable certification – CIA. So, it’s very individual how long it will take to go from start to finish.

Journey with Learnsignal:

How did you discover Learnsignal, and what made you choose it for your ACCA preparation?

In 2020 I passed my final Applied Skills exam. I used free resources and books from PwC,  but I realised that professional exams require more rigorous preparation. I saw Learnsignal on one of the ACCA emails and clicked on the link to registered. I liked how Learnsignal delivered its lessons.

How did Learnsignal support you throughout your ACCA journey?

Using Learnsignals study materials as my primary source, I passed all the strategic exams: 2 on the first try and 2 on second try. However, that was my own fault, not a lack in Learnsigual study materials. I reflected on my lessons and finally succeeded.

Exam Preparation and Strategies

Preparation Techniques:

Can you share your study routine and how you managed your time effectively?

The learning signal study materials are divided into modules, and each module consists of short video lectures followed by MCQs. This structure is convenient for planning study routines. It takes 1-2 weeks on average to complete each module, so there is enough time left for revision. There are also a lot of questions for practice and analysis of past exams.

What specific strategies did you use to prepare for the final exam?

My final exam was an SBL, which is specific because the pre-seen materials were published 2 weeks prior to the exam. For the rest, the strategy was the same as with previous exams: systematic and disciplined approach. 

Resource Utilization:

Which resources or tools from Learnsignal did you find most helpful?

I think all these things are helpful at each stage of preparation.

Challenges and Overcoming Them:

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for your final exam?

Time pressure was the biggest challenge.

How did you overcome these challenges and stay motivated?

I tried to use all spare time available, with the biggest motivation being that this was my last exam and I had to pass it.

Exam Experience

Exam Day Insights:

Can you walk us through your experience on the day of your final exam?

Oh, I remember that day like it was yesterday. The experience of the final exam wasn’t different from previous ones, but after the exam I realised with a bit of sadness that it might be the last one if I passed it.

How did you manage stress and stay focused during the exam?

When you are in the exam room, you should do nothing but answer the questions. There is no time for stress due to time pressure (but this only works if you are well prepared).

Advice and Inspiration

Advice for Fellow Students:

What advice would you give to other ACCA students, especially those preparing for the strategic level papers?

Never give up. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. These words were commonly attributed to Winston Churchill, and whoever said that – I agree.

How important is consistency and discipline in achieving successful scores in ACCA exams?

100% important, and you should cover the entire syllabus when studying, then your chances will increase.

Motivation and Inspiration:

Can you share any motivational tips for students who are struggling with their ACCA studies?

Just prove yourself that you can do it.

How did you stay motivated throughout your ACCA journey, and what kept you going during tough times?

I tried not to think about all the exams at once, but focused on my next one. It’s easier to take it step by step.

Future Aspirations:

What are your future career aspirations now that you are an ACCA affiliate?

I’m not planning  to change my job at the moment. However I understand that achieving ACCA affiliate status increase my value as a professional

How do you plan to leverage your ACCA qualification in your professional life?

I already use what I have learned in my professional life. When I become a full member, these 4 letters “ACCA” will be like a quality mark next to my name, showing that I have fantastic skills and knowledge in accounting, finance, and auditing, and I’m not afraid of challenges.

Check out our blog: How to Land a Job at the Big Four Accounting Firms